Neal Stacey, 49, is on trial accused of perverting the course of justice by cleaning and then concealing the axe in a bath in his back garden, also in Waverley Road.

The jury was told police officers found the axe hidden among clothes in the bath.

A video of a police interview was played to the jury of officers questioning Stacey.

Barrister Louisa Bagley, defending Stacey, highlighted Stacey’s reaction when told by officers for the first time that an axe had been found in the bath. The officer in the interview said: ‘Your face looks quizzical. Does it come as a surprise to you?’

Mr Forrest read out a transcript of a police interview with Stacey.

Stacey said: ‘I have handled an axe matching this description but this was entirely innocent of any criminal offences.’

The jury was told Stacey has had several previous convictions in the past 10 years, including assault, shoplifting, making a threatening telephone call and possession of drugs.

Jurors have already heard that Willis, Mr Butler and others had been smoking Spice at the gathering at 75 Waverley Road, where Willis lived.

Mr Butler was homeless but was living in a shed behind the address.

The jury was told Willis said: ‘I’ve done him, I’ve put him out of his misery, I’ve hit him with an axe four times.’

Stacey denies perverting the course of justice. He is due to take to the stand today as the defence opens its case.